Iron Fertilizing

[Twigflinger]

Can anyone explain what happens to iron after dosing in freshwater aquarium?  Both Seachem and Aquarium Coop say that it is utilized rapidly.  What exactly does that mean?  Seachem says to test within 30 minutes of dosing.  I have a hard time believing the majority of water in the aquarium is exposed to plants and roots for the plants to strip iron from water in such a short time.  Does some of it precipitate out or otherwise become unavailable to plants?  If this is the case, Is it still harmful to fish/inverts if overdosed?  Love learning about this stuff.  Thanks in advance

 

 

[Mmiller2001]

It depends on the chelating, But yes Ferrous forms of iron can be absorbed within 30 minutes. 

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by Mmiller2001

[Twigflinger]

I have moderately planted tank.  How do i know enough is enough?   Just look for signs of deficiency?  I specifically use seachems iron.

[Mmiller2001]

If you use easy green, here are some numbers. I'm dosing .6ppm per week in my CO2 tank. Depending on your water change schedule, dosing 1/4th my dose would be acceptable. Try just a bit lower and work your way up.

Edited September 10, 2021 by Mmiller2001

[Twigflinger]

Good info.  Thanks Mmiller2001!   I think I will start slow like you said and ramp up.  I have a few reds that are not red..  Also increased light a bit but it still may not be bright enough to really bring out reds.

[Mmiller2001]

If you are interested, this is what I dose per week. Just remember I'm injecting CO2 and have aggressive growing plants. I dose the same in my low tech tanks but way lower ppm. Same ratios though.